While researching through some old newspapers I came across this interesting article, from The San Antonio Evening News, Sept. 6 1920.

PROFESSOR SAYS TOADS, SNAKES HOUSEHOLD PETS
Wichita, Kan., Sept. G.-W. E. Ringle, professor of biology of the Kansas Manual Training School at Pittsburgh Kan., speaking at a teachers institute here, told teachers that every household should have a snake and a toad in it. To emphasize his talk, Prof. Ringle drew a four-foot snake from a sugar sack and took a fat toad from his pocket. “The toad will keep your home free from bugs and the snake would eat the mice”

My wife was upset enough when I had a rat snake in a fish tank. I can imaging if I let it have the run of the house.